New Miniature Microphone from DPA
 March 17, 2002
DPA Microphones has launched the latest addition to its range of miniature microphones, the first of a series of new products in 2002, the year of the company's 10th anniversary.
The new 4071 Miniature Microphone is an omnidirectional miniature condenser microphone designed for performing talent in television broadcast and film applications.
The 4071 has been developed in close consultation with professional audio engineers from leading European broadcast organisations, notably Danmarks Radio. The objective was to optimise intelligibility and clarity in a low-profile miniature microphone for use on location and on set; the designers specifically addressed many of the problems of body-worn applications which had previously necessitated a skilled engineer's 'tweaking' and fine-tuning to achieve acceptable voice definition.
For example, the 4071 has built-in presence boost, a permanent 5dB soft boost at 4-6kHz which targets the so-called 'presence area', the range at which the human ear is most sensitive, and the range of speech intelligibility, clarity and definition. Many body-worn mics suffer a loss of clarity because of the natural resonance of the human chest cavity. To compensate for this, experienced engineers include a presence boost on an equalizer in the following audio path, to make the voice "cut through". The 4071 introduces the boost acoustically at the microphone diaphragm, making it quicker and easier to use in practice and introducing less noise and distortion than any equalizer.
An acoustic low-cut has also been incorporated in the 4071 capsule so the built-in pre amp will have much more headroom. When recording voices from a microphone position on the performer's body, no frequency below 100 Hz is relevant. For this reason, the airing vent in the capsule has been specially designed to make the frequency response 2dB attenuated at 100Hz, with a 3dB per octave roll off. The low cut feature will also reduce the wind noise and low frequency rumble when used outside the studio.
The 4071 has two Accessory Kits, dedicated respectively to ENG/EFP applications, and to Film/TV production use. In ENG/EFP situations where it is permissible for the microphone to be visible in shot, the DAK4071-E Kit will ensure that untidy cables are a thing of the past, providing a versatile range of mounting clips, pins and grids to eliminate any possible noise sources and to provide comfortable yet inconspicuous placement. Film and TV production often dictates that the microphone must NOT be visible in shot, but hiding the mic from view raises the problems of clothing noise. The DAK4071-F is a handy kit of concealment accessories, specifically designed to solve many of these problems.
The unique microphone features and convenient mounting accessories have already been proved in blind tests during research, when the engineers chose the 4071 every time as the most open, clean and natural sounding microphone.
Specifications
- Cartridge type: Pre-polarized condenser element with vertical diaphragm
- Principle of operation: Pressure
- Power Supply: Via the Adapter System from DPA Microphones
- Frequency response: 100 Hz -- 15 kHz with 5 dB soft boost at 4-6kHz.
- Directional characteristics: Omnidirectional
- Sensitivity: Nominally 6 mV/Pa ± 3dB at 1kHz; -44.4 +/- 3 dB re.V/Pa
- Equivalent noise level A-weighted: Typ. 26dB(A) re. 20µPa (max. 28dB(A))
- Equivalent noise level CCIR 468-1: Typ. 38dB (max. 40dB)
- Max SPL: 144dB SPL before clipping
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 123dB SPL peak (<1% THD); 120dB SPL sine <1% THD)
Preamplifier:
- Output impedance: 30-40 Ohm
- Cable drive capability: Up to 300m
Dimensions:
- Microphone length: 17mm
- Microphone diameter: 5.4mm
- Capsule diameter: 5.4mm
- Weight: 9g incl. cable and MicroDot connector
- Finish: Matt Black
For more information, visit their web site at www.dpamicrophones.com. | 
